New Delhi has imposed strict measures to combat severe pollution that disrupts flights and affects the health of the population. The dense smog ended up covering the famous Taj Mahal, about 220 km from New Delhi, and the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
New Delhi, considered the world’s most polluted city, has banned non-essential construction and urged residents to avoid burning coal for heating in a bid to combat extremely poor air quality.
The new measures include spraying roads with solutions to reduce dust and mechanized street cleaning to reduce pollution, Reuters reports.
New Delhi, considered the most polluted city in the world
The capital’s chief minister, Atishi, also ordered primary schools to switch to online classes, and the government asked citizens to use public transport and give up burning coal and wood for heating, without specifying how long these restrictions would apply.
Air quality in northern India has deteriorated significantly, with thick smog covering the famous Taj Mahal, about 220 km from New Delhi, and the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
The capital faces an air quality index of 424, the worst globally, according to the IQAir rankings. The main cause of pollution is stubble burning in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana, which contributes about 38% of the city’s pollution.
Severe pollution conditions are forecast to persist
With visibility down to 300 metres, New Delhi airport saw delays for 88 per cent of departures and 54 per cent of arrivals, and several flights were diverted. At the same time, doctors report a significant increase in cases of allergies, coughs and acute asthma attacks, especially among children.
Minimum temperatures fell to 16.1 degrees Celsius and severe pollution conditions are forecast to remain in the “severe category” until Friday, according to the Earth Sciences Ministry, which expects a slight improvement later.
The number of stubble fires has risen steadily, from 1,200 last month to nearly 2,300 on Wednesday, worsening smog levels. Lahore, the capital of Pakistan’s Punjab province, was also ranked as the world’s most polluted city on Thursday, according to IQAir, as Pakistani authorities also try to manage extreme pollution.
Source: www.descopera.ro
